die Unterwäsche
underwear
Clothing worn directly on the skin under normal clothes, such as underpants, briefs, bras, or undershirts.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch neue Unterwäsche für den Urlaub kaufen.
I still need to buy new underwear for the vacation.
die Unterwäsche
underwear
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'unter' (under) and 'Wäsche' (laundry/clothing). So it literally refers to the 'Wäsche' that you wear under normal clothes.
EXAMPLE
Er packte Socken, T-Shirts und Unterwäsche in seinen Koffer.
He packed socks, T-shirts, and underwear in his suitcase.
Use in the singular
'Unterwäsche' (underwear) is a collective term and is almost always used in the singular, even when talking about several items. If you mean a single garment, you say 'ein Stück Unterwäsche' (a piece/item of underwear).
EXAMPLE
Meine ganze Unterwäsche ist in der Waschmaschine.
All my underwear is in the washing machine.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Unterwäsche' (underwear) are 'tragen' (to wear), 'anhaben' (to have on), 'wechseln' (to change), and 'waschen' (to wash).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport sollte man seine Unterwäsche wechseln.
After exercising, you should change your underwear.
Compare with
Unterwäsche vs Dessous
lingerie
„Unterwäsche“ is the neutral term for clothing worn directly under normal clothes. „Dessous“ refers specifically to especially fine, fashionable, or seductive women’s underwear and is therefore more specific. Use „Unterwäsche“ for ordinary everyday clothing and „Dessous“ for decorative or elegant pieces.
Unterwäsche
Für die Reise packte sie bequeme Unterwäsche für jeden Tag ein.
For the trip, she packed comfortable underwear for every day.
Dessous
Für den besonderen Abend kaufte sie elegante Dessous aus feiner Spitze.
For the special evening, she bought elegant lace lingerie.
In real life
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